FREE-Secure-24/7 Access To Your Transcripts and Exhibits

Posts Tagged ‘technology’

Why are Court Reporters Important to CourtScribes

Posted on: December 6th, 2021 by Sfl Media No Comments

Court Reporting StenographAs time has gone forward, technology jobs increase as more mechanical-type jobs go by the wayside. In court reporting circles, that you have read about here at CourtScribes, many believe that this too will happen to the profession. As a matter of fact, it is happening right now as we speak. As the technology expands in the field, fewer and fewer actual court reporters are needed.

However, certain jobs require a human quality to properly function. Court reporting is definitely one of those jobs.

Who or what is a court reporter?

Well, the court reporter is the person in charge of transcribing a verbatim legal record using a typing tool called a stenograph. Using the stenograph, the reporter transcribes the court proceedings in a sort of shorthand. But, instead of being replaced, the technological addition of audio tech allows the court reporter to complete the job with even greater efficiency.

 

Reliability is Key

If one is trying to understand why technology is taking over this industry, it basically comes down to the option that is more efficient and more reliable. While the ability for a human being (court reporter) to take in proper notes and hear all that is going on crystal clear, many times that is just not the case.

Due to the simple advancement of tech, we can now record conversations and have audio renditions. However, some things are unable to be recorded if there is a crossover in speech by multiple people. This means that there needs to be a human also recording everything being said in order to capture the full truth. 

So that while technology has now given people a way to record, this should mean that court reporting is now enhanced and requires training with audio recording technology on the side. This would actually be the most efficient and reliable way to conduct transcribing.

 

Don’t Leave it to Chance

A court reporter’s main focus should be to record every single word that is spoken in the courtroom. They must do this, all while differentiating between those who are speaking, and ignoring the background noises. This is tough because one of the hardest situations to deal with is when two attorneys or legal participants speaking over each other.

The audio technology at CourtScribes has advanced to a much higher stage than its tape recorder predecessors. But if there is any chance that the device may lose speech during a situation where two people are speaking over each other, then that entire passage of speech has been lost. This especially matters if there is an appeal to the case. Imagine that someone has grounds all because the words were not properly transcribed?

If you need court reporting services like those described in this blog, then CourtScribes.com which supports all states and programs that aid in the court reporting world are ready to serve you in your court reporting, videography services, interpreters, live-streaming, and video-to-text synchronization.

Although the majority of cities that offer CourtScribes’ services are in Florida, the company home base, other cities all across these United States that CourtScribes offers services in, are the following: Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, Port St. Lucie, Fort Lauderdale, Cape Coral, Coral Springs, Clearwater, Palm Bay, Fort Myers, Weston, Sarasota, Orlando, St. Petersburg, Hialeah, Stuart, Hollywood, Naples, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Jupiter, Key West, Coral Gables, Maryland, Manhattan, Buffalo, Washington DC, Baltimore, Bowie, Virginia, Frederick, Albany, New York, Brooklyn,  Westchester, Gaithersberg, and Rockville.

Why are Court Reporters Important

Posted on: April 19th, 2021 by Sfl Media No Comments

court reporters

As time has gone forward, technology jobs increase as more mechanical-type jobs go by the wayside. In court reporting circles, that you have read about here at CourtScribes, many believe that this too will happen to the profession. As a matter of fact, it is happening right now as we speak. As the technology expands in the field, fewer and fewer actual court reporters are needed.

However, certain jobs require a human quality to properly function. Court reporting is definitely one of those jobs.

Who or what is a court reporter?

Well, the court reporter is the person in charge of transcribing a verbatim legal record using a typing tool called a stenograph. Using the stenograph, the reporter transcribes the court proceedings in a sort of shorthand. But, instead of being replaced, the technological addition of audio tech allows the court reporter to complete the job with even greater efficiency.

 

Reliability is Key

If one is trying to understand why technology is taking over this industry, it basically comes down to the option that is more efficient and more reliable. While the ability for a human being (court reporter) to take in proper notes and hear all that is going on crystal clear, many times that is just not the case.

Due to the simple advancement of tech, we can now record conversations and have audio renditions. However, some things are unable to be recorded if there is a crossover in speech by multiple people. This means that there needs to be a human also recording everything being said in order to capture the full truth. 

So that while technology has now given people a way to record, this should mean that court reporting is now enhanced and requires training with audio recording technology on the side. This would actually be the most efficient and reliable way to conduct transcribing.

 

Don’t Leave it to Chance

A court reporter’s main focus should be to record every single word that is spoken in the courtroom. They must do this, all while differentiating between those who are speaking, and ignoring the background noises. This is tough because one of the hardest situations to deal with is when two attorneys or legal participants speaking over each other.

The audio technology at CourtScribes has advanced to a much higher stage than its tape recorder predecessors. But if there is any chance that the device may lose speech during a situation where two people are speaking over each other, then that entire passage of speech has been lost. This especially matters if there is an appeal to the case. Imagine that someone has grounds all because the words were not properly transcribed?

What this says, is that until it is perfect, courts just can’t take that chance.

What Are You Looking for in a Court Reporting Agency?

Posted on: September 15th, 2020 by Sfl Media No Comments

 

Having a court reporting agency that is both reliable and trustworthy is very important. However, what exactly are the skills you are looking for in an agency that puts them above the rest. Court Scribes is a court reporting agency that prides itself on excelling in every aspect of court reporting. With the addition of technology and remote aspects being added to the court room, just simple stenography no longer cuts it in this newly progressing industry. In order to stand above the rest, you need professional legal videography, an online repository and the ability to use remote technology for the courtroom.

 

Why the Need for Tech?

 

The need for a stenographer will never disappear. Their ability to translate the chaos of a courtroom into separate lines of information to be later read is required. However, that doesn’t mean technology can’t help. With the addition of video and audio technology, a court reporter’s job has now become that much more efficient.

Professional legal videography allows the entire process to be recorded. State-of-the-art audio technology also allows the use of multiple channels to separate all the different voices that are speaking at the same time within the court room.

Finally, with all of the social distancing guidelines in play, it is important that your court reporting service is able to maintain all types of remote court needs. Leading edge technology is integral in competing in the court reporting service.

Court Scribes takes pride in being able to provide a myriad of court reporting services to our clients. This includes all of the professional legal videography, live-streaming, interpreters, video-to-text synchronization, national coverage, 24/7 client service and repository, unmatched quality and unparalleled savings. If you know someone or are a court participant that is in need of a court reporting service, then contact Court Scribes today!

The Importance of a Court Reporter

Posted on: August 10th, 2020 by Sfl Media No Comments

 

Technology has seen an increase of jobs being taken over by their mechanical counterparts. Some people believe that the court reporter may soon be one of the jobs that loses its value when this much technology is available. However, certain jobs, such as this one, requires a human quality to properly function.

The court reporter is the person in charge of making a verbatim legal record using a stenograph. Using this stenograph, they transcribe the court proceedings in shorthand. Instead of being replaced, the addition of audio technology allows a court reporter to now complete their job with even greater efficiency.

 

Efficiency and Reliability

 

When you’re looking at the reason for transferring to technology it usually comes down to whichever option is more efficient and reliable. So, we’ll have to go into a little detail about the necessity of the court reporter.

Audio technology has given people a way to record conversations in detailed manners. However, some things are unable to be recorded if there is a crossover in speech by multiple people. This means that there needs to be a human also recording everything being said in order to capture the full truth. Yes, technology has now given people a way to record, but this should mean that the occupation is now enhanced and requires training with audio recording technology on the side. This would be the most efficient and reliable way.

 

Can’t Take that Chance

 

Court reporters main focus is to record every single word that is uttered within the courtroom. All while differentiating between those who are speaking, and ignoring the background noises. One of the hardest situations is when two attorneys or legal participants speaking over each other. Audio technology has advanced to a much higher stage than its tape recorder predecessors. However, if there is any chance that this device may lose speech during a situation where two people are speaking over each other, then that entire passage of speech has been lost to case. This especially matters if there is an appeal to the case. In other words, until it is perfect, we can’t take that chance.

What does it Take to be a Court Reporter?

Posted on: August 3rd, 2020 by Sfl Media No Comments

 

Court reporting is a career that takes a lot of training to be able to efficiently capture recordings and information during a court proceeding. Regardless how advanced technology will become in the future, a third person outside party without bias recording an entire proceeding will always be sought after. However, what exactly does it take to become a Court Reporter? What are the qualifications, skills required and duties of a Court Reporter and how does one succeed as a student of court reporting in a scholastic and employment situation? We’ll break down these questions below.

 

Qualifications of a Court Reporter

 

To record the proceedings within a court of law, one must go through diligent training. Most people are going to require some type of educational background such as a degree in Court Reporting. If not a degree, then a certificate is required in most states. This scholastic training will cover large amounts of English grammar, legal terminology and the procedures that happen within a court environment. The most important skills for a court reporter to have are the abilities to be accurate and detailed. All transcripts must remain extremely precise to the cause. Being able to follow dialogues and understand most accents also helps in trials.

 

Working with Court Reporting Technology

 

Modern court reporting technology has launched the industry in a much more reliable manner. With videography and audio recording technologies, court proceedings are being recorded with much better precision. Videography allows the proceedings to be recorded for future viewings. Also, with multiple channel audio recording technology, that will break apart the audio channels of different voices so that nothing will interfere. When you’re looking for a court reporting company that has state-of-the-art technology for all areas of court proceedings, then contact CourtScribes. CourtScribes uses their leading-edge technology with their old-fashioned responsibility to bring their clients the best of both worlds.

Do You Need Help with a Remote Court Appearance?

Posted on: June 2nd, 2020 by Sfl Media No Comments

 

You’re in luck! CourtScribes is here to help you during this health crisis. We know that regardless of the conditions of the United States, the court system will continue to do everything in its power to keep on their schedule of appearances. However, its difficult for people to feel safe when presenting themselves in court during this pandemic. CourtScribes is proud to offer Remote Court Appearances for Lawyers and Remote Court Appearances for Judges! If you or a loved one need help with a remote court appearance, we’d be more than happy to help you as well. CourtScribes has been serving the country for years and even during the coronavirus lockdown.

 

Lawyer and Judges can Appear Remotely in Court as Well!

 

It is imperative to know that everyone’s health should take precedence over everything during our national health crisis. Social distancing and remaining home are the easiest ways to avoid infection. Thankfully, you have someone to turn to for your remote court appearances!

The CourtScribes Remote Court Appearance service integrates 24/7 operator assisted support and remote technology to facilitate efficient and easy-to-use telephonic appearances at no cost to the Court. Our service provides flexibility and great cost savings for attorneys while helping courts with overcrowding issues and general efficiency.

 

Reliable Remote Court Appearance

 

It is extremely important to have a reliable remote court appearance company. If their technology fails at any time, it could lead to mistakes, wasted time and loss of resources. CourtScribes is proud to inform that we have leading-edge technology and people who have plenty of experience using them. With the highest quality audio recording technology, videography equipment that is reliable and well maintained and an online repository of all transcripts, exhibits and videos, you’ll be using our company’s resources with confidence. For all appearances, including judge and attorney remote court appearances, contact CourtScribes today!

Court Reporters Inaccurately Transcribing ‘African-American Vernacular English’

Posted on: March 4th, 2019 by Sfl Media No Comments
microphone_in_court

Audio and digital recording in court can make all the difference.

So picture this scenario:

You are African American. A court reporter taking notes during your criminal case makes an error in the transcript that ends up becoming a point of contention in an appeal. An appeal that you lose. You probably would not have lost the case if your words had been reported accurately. Now you’re facing penalties, or even worse, prison time because of that court reporter’s mistake.

If you’re a person who uses a dialect like African-American Vernacular English, also known as AAVE, that situation is much more likely to happen to you, according to research in Philadelphia. This is why having a digital court reporter via Courtscribes is so very important. It can be the difference between jail and freedom.

This study found serious errors in court transcripts that materially changed what people said or rendered their speech as incomprehensible gibberish. People perceived as speaking “incorrectly” already deal with a substantial social stigma, and apparently, that includes courtroom settings.

 

How Can We Solve This Problem?

When a court reporter is not familiar with a given dialect, their lack of understanding can influence the way they record one’s speech (testimony). Unless someone reviews and contests the transcript in a timely manner, it may go on the record as incorrect. This will become a much more difficult problem to correct months or years in the future.

This problem can even reinforce biases that put certain people at a disadvantage in the courtroom. For black defendants, testifying in ‘AAVE’ may have a serious impact on how those defendants are perceived by juries, as well as how their words are recorded for posterity.

Many states are starting to transition away from the classic court recorder to audio or video recordings, which capture a complete digital record of everything that was said. This can be used instead of or in addition to transcripts for accuracy. Much like the services that Courtscribes offers. One thing courts shouldn’t be relying on though is an automated transcription. Anyone who has spoken text into their cellphone in an attempt at transcribing a message would agree.

The technologies used for speech recognition just aren’t there yet. This is true in the case of many accents and dialects, where word order and inflection can carry very different meanings.

 

Solutions are Coming

The solution to this problem is multifaceted. Court reporters across the country may need more training to improve their accuracy with both transcribing and paraphrasing when people speak with accents or dialects. That training should be regionally-appropriate as well because different aspects and dialects have variable representations depending on locale.

Also using digital recordings as a backup may be a good idea. Transcripts can ensure that information is available in multiple formats, with the original recordings retained to cross-reference. The stakes are simply too high for these kinds of mistakes.

Detailed digital recordkeeping benefits both courts and defendants. Not only does it serve that purpose, but it will also aid future dialect researchers who may be interested in looking at a large body of material stored from year to year to learn more about how dialects and accents evolve.